Eclectic Cafe Flan

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a kettle of water on the stove to boil. This will be used later in a water bath for the flan.

2. Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and add the sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns into a golden caramel color. Be careful not to burn it.

3. Pour the caramel into a round baking dish, tilting it to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.

4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, and instant espresso powder until well combined and smooth.

5. Carefully pour the mixture over the hardened caramel in the baking dish.

6. Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan and carefully pour hot water from the kettle into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish with the flan mixture.

7. Carefully transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.

8. Remove the flan from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to set completely.

9. When ready to serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it from the dish. Place a serving platter over the baking dish and carefully invert to release the flan onto the platter.

10. Garnish your Eclectic Cafe Flan with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.